Lulu Miller

***AMAZON BEST BOOK OF DECEMBER*** ***A TIME MUST-READ BOOK OF THE YEAR*** ***LA TIMES BOOK PRIZE WINNER*** A young queer science writer on some of the ocean's strangest creatures and what they can teach us about human empathy and survival 'A miraculous, transcendental book ' ED YONG 'An astonishing debut' GUARDIAN As a mixed Chinese and white non-binary writer working in a largely white, male field, science journalist Sabrina Imbler has always been drawn to the mystery of life in the sea, and particularly to creatures living in hostile or remote environments. Each essay in their debut collection profiles one such the mother octopus who starves herself while watching over her eggs, the Chinese sturgeon whose migration route has been decimated by pollution and dams, the bizarre Bobbitt worm (named after Lorena) and other uncanny creatures lurking in the deep ocean, far below where the light reaches. Imbler's debut weaves the wonders of marine biology with stories of their own family and coming of age, implicitly connecting endangered sea life to marginalised human communities and asking how they and we adapt, survive and care for each other. This far-reaching, unique collection shatters our preconceptions about the sea and what it means to survive. 'Astounding' PHILIP HOARE 'A revelation' ISABELLA TREE

A grieving astrobiologist searches for life in the universe while raising his unusual nine-year-old son, who is about to be expelled from school. As his son becomes troubled, the father seeks an experimental treatment to control his emotions by training him on the recorded patterns of his mother's brain. This emotional and moving novel explores the connection between father and son, the natural world, and the truth about our planet.

Discover a captivating community where girls become wives, wives become mothers, and some disappear into the clouds. With elements of "The Lottery" and the depth of Margaret Atwood, Elsewhere by Alexis Schaitkin tells the story of Vera, a young woman who faces the same affliction that took her mother. Will she be able to stay and mother her child, or will she disappear like others before her? This novel is a spellbinding revelation that explores the mysterious task of motherhood and the legacy it leaves behind.

Uncover the mystery behind the murder of a wealthy spiritualist and philanthropist in this gripping exploration of power, corruption, and conspiracy. Richard White's meticulous research into the death of Jane Stanford exposes the complex web of interests that sought to bury the truth behind her murder. From the eccentricities of Stanford University to the seedy politics and crime of Gilded Age San Francisco, White presents a compelling account of the case and the suspects, all while drawing readers into the fascinating world of one of America's most iconic institutions.

"Seek You" by Kristen Radtke is a timely and poignant exploration of the epidemic of loneliness in America. Radtke delves into the ways we attempt to connect with others, and the distance that remains. Through insightful discussions of gender and violence, technology and art, Radtke sheds light on some of our most vulnerable and sublime moments. With emotionally charged drawings and deeply empathetic prose, Radtke shows us how to bridge the gaps between us and prevent our society from disconnecting entirely.

Explore the true and troubling story of Alexander Graham Bell's quest to end deafness in "The Invention of Miracles." Researched and written through the Deaf perspective, this "provocative, sensitive, beautifully written biography" offers a new look at an American icon and reveals the astonishing true genesis of the telephone. Discover Bell's connection to the disturbing legacy of his efforts to suppress American Sign Language, and follow the deaf community's fight to reclaim a once-forbidden language. Kavanaugh Booth's 15-year research and personal experience make this a heartbreaking and enthralling read.

A hilarious and honest memoir tells the story of Tina Fey's journey from a middle-school gym class nightmare to becoming a well-known comedian on TV. From her years on SNL to motherhood and all the ups-and-downs in between, Fey reveals all with her trademark humor. Don't miss out on her never-before-solicited opinions on topics ranging from breastfeeding to the electoral process.

From beloved, award-winning poet Aimee Nezhukumatathil comes a debut work of nonfiction--a collection of essays about the natural world, and the way its inhabitants can teach, support, and inspire us. As a child, Nezhukumatathil called many places home: the grounds of a Kansas mental institution, where her Filipina mother was a doctor; the open skies and tall mountains of Arizona, where she hiked with her Indian father; and the chillier climes of western New York and Ohio. But no matter where she was transplanted--no matter how awkward the fit or forbidding the landscape--she was able to turn to our world's fierce and funny creatures for guidance. "What the peacock can do," she tells us, "is remind you of a home you will run away from and run back to all your life." The axolotl teaches us to smile, even in the face of unkindness; the touch-me-not plant shows us how to shake off unwanted advances; the narwhal demonstrates how to survive in hostile environments. Even in the strange and the unlovely, Nezhukumatathil finds beauty and kinship. For it is this way with wonder: it requires that we are curious enough to look past the distractions in order to fully appreciate the world's gifts. Warm, lyrical, and gorgeously illustrated by Fumi Nakamura, World of Wonders is a book of sustenance and joy.

Explore the wisdom and guidance of marine mammals with Undrowned, a powerful meditation for social movements and our species. Author Alexis Pauline Gumbs draws on the complexity, conflicts, and survival struggles of our queer, fierce, and protective aquatic cousins to offer a new perspective on social justice. Through a mix of poetry and naturalist observation, Undrowned encourages us to wonder and question what marine mammals can teach us about our extractive and militarized society. From the North Atlantic Right Whale to echolocation, Gumbs expertly employs metaphor and natural models to inspire transformative action.